Spokane Japanese Obon Festival

Get a taste of Japanese culture during Spokane Buddhist Temple’s annual Obon celebration, a 500-year-old Japanese tradition originated to honor ancestors’ spirits. Now, Obon is celebrated more like a family reunion, and this weekend’s celebration aims to share the event’s many traditions — and tasty Japanese food — with the local community. Featured performances and demonstrations include the Spokane Taiko drummers, Spokane Kendo’s fencing and swordplay, martial arts demos, a vocal performance by Narong Norasakkunkit and traditional Sumi-e ink painting by local artist Keiko Von Holt, among others. Don’t miss the traditional Bon Odori dance, at 6 pm both days.